June 15 , 2017

Ronda Sauget

The Centennial Air Show was a major success!  The Leadership Council would like to thank all of our members and partners who supported and attended this important event over the weekend! It was wonderful to see all of the families and children enjoying the Air Show activities, demonstrations, and displayed aircraft. And it was especially exciting to the Anheuser Busch Clydesdales hitch team strolling down the Scott AFB flight line.
Certainly, Scott AFB had a wonderful opportunity to highlight the dedication and commitment of our military members in protecting our freedom and defending our nation against domestic and international threats. The members of the Leadership Council salute Scott AFB upon its 100thAnniversary!
Be sure to take time and look through the following articles, as they discuss many of the important things happening within the Southwestern Illinois region!

Ronda Sauget, D. Mgmt, MBA
Executive Director
Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois
  

Scott Air Force Base - a key cybersecurity, logistics hub - marks centennial this weekend
(St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 6/9/17)
 Over the last century, Scott Air Force Base has come a long way from training pilots to fly Curtiss Jennies in World War I and housing the military's dirigibles. (Read More)

Construction season unfolds
(The Edwardsville Intelligencer, 6/9/2017)
Edwardsville is undergoing several construction projects at the same time. ( Read More)

Scott AFB's 126th Refueling Wing keeps flights aloft around the world
(Illinois Business Journal, 6/8/17)
At the region's biggest employer, they are some of the biggest birds flying, yet their importance can be measured in about 16 feet. ( Read More)

Freight depends on reliable funding of infrastructure, rail exec says
(Illinois Business Journal, 6/8/17)
A top railroad executive says the St. Louis region's development as a freight hub depends in part on America's ability to address its major infrastructure shortcomings. ( Read More)

Simmons group revamping historic Millers Mutual building
(Illinois Business Journal, 6/1817)
A partnership led by attorney John Simmons hopes to transform a largely vacant, Alton landmark into a thriving professional building. ( Read More)

Interior design center open in Edwardsville
(Edwardsville Intelligencer, 6/7/17)
South Maple Design is the latest idea from the R.P. Lumber business family. The design center recently opened at 1063 Route 157 in Edwardsville, near Bella Milano. ( Read More)

Hofbräuhaus work in Belleville to speed up, mayor reports
(Belleville News-Democrat, 6/6/17)
I A couple of weeks ago, Mayor Mark Eckert noted crews at the partially built Hofbräuhaus had performed "minimal" work this spring on the $12 million German restaurant and brewery off Illinois 15. ( Read More)

Scott Air Force Base airshow returns after 5 years to celebrate 100
(Belleville News-Democrat, 6/11/2017)
As pilot Kevin Coleman flew his plane across the field at the Scott Air Force Base airshow, "Turn Down for What' echoed across the base. ( Read More)

Metro East SBDC supports veteran's business
(Advantage News, 5/31/17)
Air Force veteran Chad Grubofski is preparing to open Mr. Appliance of Mid-America, a Metro East-based franchise of a major appliance repair company, in early June, thanks to business plan expertise provided by the Illinois Metro East Small Business Development Center at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. ( Read More)

Madison County awards sustainability grants to local communities
(Illinois Business Journal, 6/1/17)
Madison County recently awarded more than $165,277 in grant funding for sustainability initiatives in 13 communities. ( Read More)

City of Red Bud received safety award
(North County News, 6/2/17)
The City of Red Bud was recently awarded the Illinois Municipal Utilities Association's Special Recognition Safety Award. ( Read More)

Zeroing in on the top performing banks so far this year
(St. Louis Business Journal, 6/1/17)
Year-over-year profits at 72 St. Louis banks increased 42 percent in the first quarter, to $193 million, driven by robust performances at two brokerage banks, Scottrade Bank and Stifel Bank & Trust. Both posted profit increases well over 70 percent. ( Read More)

Belleville City Council approves Walmart requests
(Belleville News-Democrat, 6/4/17)
Belleville City Council members on Monday night took their first official votes regarding the 24-hour Walmart Supercenter proposed for the intersection of South 74th Street and Illinois 15 and approved five Walmart requests. ( Read More)

City looks to increase bike trail connections
(Edwardsville Intelligencer, 6/5/17)
The city of Edwardsville plans to add more bike trail connections. ( Read More)

Reconstruction project begins on Third Avenue
(Edwardsville Intelligencer, 6/5/17)
The Third Avenue reconstruction project is getting underway. ( Read More)

Flexibility eyed for traffic signals
(Edwardsville Intelligencer, 6/2/17)
Traffic signals along Route 159/Troy Road may be modified sometime next year. ( Read More)

Reed Eye Care Center holds ribbon-cutting ceremony in Fairview Heights (Illinois Business Journal, 6/2/17)
A ribbon-cutting was held to mark the opening of Reed Eye Care Center at 10900 Lincoln Trail in Fairview Heights. ( Read More)

Illinois American announces water meets state and federal standards
(Belleville News-Democrat, 6/617)
Illinois American Water Co. announced that water in its service areas met federal and state standards. ( Read More)

Edwardsville Township looking into new operations location
(Edwardsville Intelligencer, 6/6/17)
Edwardsville Township is exploring the idea of moving its operations to Glen Carbon and leasing space in a yet-to-be-built, state-of-the-arts fire station. ( Read More)

Recent business developments throughout Southern Illinois
(Illinois Business Journal, 6/9/17)
A Macy's Backstage outlet store will debut inside the Macy's St. Clair Square store in Fairview Heights on Saturday, June 17. ( Read More)

In Other News:
St. Elizabeth's receives $2.5 million gift for new hospital
(St. Louis Business Journal, 6/917)
HSHS St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Belleville has received an anonymous $2.5 million gift for its capital campaign supporting its $300 million replacement hospital under construction in O'Fallon, Illinois.   ( Read More)

Allegiant offers free services to military members, their families
(Belleville News-Democrat, 6/1/17)
Allegiant Air, MidAmerica Airport's only passenger airline, has started a program to benefit active and retired military members. ( Read More)

ISP launches three-day commercial motor vehicle safety program
(Alton Telegraph, 6/6/17)
Illinois State Police (ISP) and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) will take part in a three-day, nationwide safety program to conduct commercial motor vehicle enforcement checks to ensure the safety of competent professional drivers and the motoring public in Cook, Will, St. Clair, and Madison counties. ( Read More)

Godfrey board grants money for Joe's Pizza signage, future developments (Alton Telegraph, 6/7/17)
Approval of three facade improvement grants and a site development grant for properties on Godfrey Road were among actions taken by the Godfrey Village Board at Tuesday's meeting. ( Read More)

MCT donates two bicycles to Edwardsville Police Department
(Edwardsville Intelligencer, 5/31/17)
Keep an eye out for Edwardsville police officers on bike patrol in yellow uniforms. ( Read More)

These 9 St. Louis companies are on the new Fortune 500 list
(St. Louis Business Journal, 6/7/17)
For the third consecutive year, St. Louis is home to nine Fortune 500 companies. ( Read More)

Walmart has made more than 4,800 veteran hires in Illinois
(Illinois Business Journal, 5/31/17)
Walmart said this week that it has hired more than 4,800 veterans in Illinois since introducing its Veterans Welcome Home Commitment in May 2013. ( Read More)

SIUE, L&C team up for dentistry event
(Edwardsville Intelligencer, 6/5/17)
The Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) and Lewis and Clark Community College (L&C) partnered to provide oral health care for underserved patients in Calhoun County, a rural area that has not benefited from a local practicing dentist since the start of 2017. ( Read More)

LCCC recognized for newspaper
(Edwardsville Intelligencer, 6/7/17)
Lewis and Clark Community College and The Bridge student newspaper hosted the Illinois Community College Journalism Association's 2017 Conference, during which the newspaper staff netted 18 awards. ( Read More)

Alton's Olive Oil Marketplace celebrates five years, expansion to Belleville (Alton Telegraph, 6/3/17)
It's five years and counting for the Olive Oil Marketplace, celebrating the occasion at its Downtown store at 108 W. Third St. with a three-day party. ( Read More)

Bethalto native's Signature Virtual Assistance wins 1st round of InnovateHER (Alton Telegraph, 6/3/17)
Metro East resident Lorie Nelson has captured first prize in the local InnovateHER Business Challenge and hopes to vie for a spot in the national competition this fall. ( Read More)

SIUE sets up health rotation in Haiti
(Edwardsville Intelligencer, 6/7/17)
Submerging one's self into another culture and providing medical and pharmacy care in an environment with few resources is a life changing opportunity for student learners, and the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy (SOP) is adding another such opportunity to its international learning experiences. ( Read More)

Kim Weishaupt, Senior Vice President/Regional Market Manager, First Bank (Illinois Business Journal)
Kim Weishaupt has worked in the banking industry for 21 years. ( Read More)

Jodi Clinton, South-Metro East Group Manager, Commerce Bank
(Illinois Business Journal, 6/8/17)
A friend suggested that Jodi Clinton apply for a position at Commerce Bank. ( Read More)

New owners at Seven bar in Belleville plan makeover, menu changes
(Belleville News-Democrat, 6/2/17)
The spirit of Seven Belleville will stay the same, but almost everything else, including the menu and interior design will receive an update in the next few weeks. ( Read More)

SIUE's Rehg named CAS associate dean
(The Telegraph, 6/8/17)
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Greg Budzban, PhD, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), has selected Jennifer Rehg, PhD, as associate dean of instruction, faculty development and academic programs. She assumes her new responsibilities on Monday, July 3. (Read More)

Lisa Hock, Financial Consultant, TheBANK of Edwardsville
(Illinois Business Journal)
Lisa Hock, ChFC has spent her entire career in the banking industry. ( Read More)

Cynthia Whorley, Fairview Heights Banking Center Manager, Providence Bank (Illinois Business Journal, 6/8/17)
Cynthia Whorley always wanted to be a nurse so she could help people. One day a friend was raving about her new bank and told her to apply. ( Read More)

Tracy Session, Associated Bank Vice President, Market Manager
(Illinois Business Journal, 6/8/17)
Tracy Session wasn't sure what she wanted to do after graduating from Eastern Illinois University with a degree in marketing. ( Read More)

Susan Davis, Committee Member, Illinois Bankers Association
(Illinois Business Journal, 6/8/17)
Susan Davis grew up on the family dairy farm in Oakdale. She credits her family with where she is today. ( Read More)

Southwestern Illinois Commercial Real Estate Transactions
(Illinois Business Journal, 6/8/17)
James Rosciglione sold a 12-unit, 8,460-square-foot apartment building at 25 S. 76th St. to LDB Services Inc. BARBERMurphy Group represented both parties. ( Read More)

Kerry Smith joins Louer Facility Planning
(Advantage News, 6/2/17)
Kerry Smith has joined Louer Facility Planning Inc. as director of marketing and business development. ( Read More)

Adams and Golden honored at banquet
(The Intelligencer, 6/9/17)
Lincoln Middle School Assistant Principal Wendy Adams was given the 2017 Outstanding Educator Award recently by the Edwardsville Branch of the NAACP. ( Read More)

Dewey's Pizza to open its biggest location this fall
(St. Louis Business Journal, 6/9/2017)
Dewey's Pizza will roll out its seventh - and biggest - location in the St. Louis region later this year. ( Read More)

New train station "on the right track," city officials say
(Riverbender.com, 6/1/2017)
Contractors are "crossing the t's and dotting the i's" on the upcoming train station, Alton Building and Zoning Director Greg Caffey said Thursday afternoon. ( Read More)

New Fifth Quarter Pub & Grill has soccer on TV and tater tots on the menu
(Belleville News-Democrat, 6/2/2017)
The name Fifth Quarter has returned to a historic bar on Main Street in Collinsville, along with its focus on food, drinks, service and sports. ( Read More)

Greensfelder practice areas and attorneys earn rankings in Chambers USA 2017 Edition
(Illinois Business Journal, 6/2/2017)
Chambers USA rankings for 2017 placed Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C.'s franchise law practice among the nation's best, while the firm's corporate M&A, employment, litigation and real estate practices were recognized in the St. Louis area. ( Read More)

Q&A with Tony DeVasto, VP/treasury management officer, First Bank; Phil Hickman, president, So. Illinois/Metro East Market, Associated Bank; and Michelle Toll, executive VP and COO, the State Bank Group, Wonder Lake, Ill.
(Illinois Business Journal, 6/8/2017)
IBJ: How is technology changing the banking business? ( Read More)

A work in progress
(The Edwardsville Intelligencer, 6/9/2017)
Crews work on the new Starbucks location, just to the west of Edwardsville High School on Center Grove Road. This location joins one on Troy Road and one at SIUE. ( Read More)

New Walmart construction progressing; water ice shop opens at St. Clair Square
(Belleville News-Democrat, 6/11/2017)
Construction of the Walmart Neighborhood Market at 1101 Beltline Road in Collinsville is moving along. ( Read More)

Greater Gateway Realtors releases latest home sales figures
(Illinois Business Journal, 6/12/2017)
Greater Gateway Association of Realtors has released its latest home sales figures. ( Read More)

Undaunted by fire damage, Waterloo brewery eyes August reopening
(Belleville News-Democrat, 6/2/2017)
Five feet of water filled the basement. An air-conditioning unit caved in through the roof to the first floor. And the brewing equipment was deemed unusable. ( Read More)

O'Fallon business lets families see babies before they're born
(Belleville News-Democrat, 6/4/2017)
Melissa Thurlow's passion for pregnant women and babies started her first day on the job as a nurse. ( Read More)

Ameren sets record in renewable energy production
(St. Louis Business Journal, 6/9/2017)
The Osage Energy Center at the Lake of the Ozarks generated more renewable electricity in May than it has in any other May in its 86-year history, operator Ameren Missouri said. ( Read More)

Campaign to save old Alton Train Station reaching end of the tracks
(Riverbender.com, 6/6/2017)
Alton Area Landmarks Associatoin President Terry Sharp warned time is running out for any chance to save the old Alton Train Station, currently still operating off College Avenue. ( Read More)

MCT offers Muny Express service
(Advantage News, 6/10/2017)
This summer, seven unforgettable shows take the stage at the St. Louis Muny in Forest Park and Madison County Transit's (MCT) Muny Express offers round-trip service to and from every Friday night performance. ( Read More)

Night Market returns to Elijah P's Warehouse
(Riverbender.com, 6/1/2017)
The secondary season of Alton Main Street's "Night Market" will launch on June 1st, taking place from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. every Thursday in the warehouse behind Elijah P's, locate at 401 Piasa Street. ( Read More)

Jerseyville Pawn Shop enjoys business boost with uptown move
(Alton Telegraph, 6/3/2017)
After 18 years in business, the Jerseyville Pawn Shop has a new 20, 000-square-foot location to display merchandise, in what was once a facility that processed locally grown apples. ( Read More)

Lucky Jack's assures a different gaming experience at its East Alton location
(Riverbender.com, 6/4/2017)
Gaming parlors and cafes are exploding across the State of Illinois since gaming was legalized, but Lucky Jack's promises something different than the rest. ( Read More)

This couple grew up in China. Their restaurant has served Belleville for nearly 30 years.
(Belleville News-Democrat, 6/9/2017)
The Huangs' three children all grew up in the restaurant world, often spending hours after school at House of Chiu. ( Read More)

He first wanted to be a veterinarian. Now he's celebrating 30 years in the meat industry
(Belleville News-Democrat, 6/11/2017)
Dan Siegel initially wanted to be a veterinarian. But when Siegel took a detour in classes and studied meat science at the University of Illinois, he realized that he had "developed a passion for meat." ( Read More)

Leadership Council
members associated with
projects in this issue
_________________




St. Louis Regional Chamber
  
St. Elizabeth's Hosp


Riverbend Growth Association







Madison County IL  








 

 





Keller Construction



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Ameren IL Logo



MidAmerica Logo





Lewis & Clark Logo

Scott Credit Union Logo






BARBERMurphy Group

McKendree Logo



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Contact Information

Ronda Sauget, Executive Director, Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois

618-692-9745

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